Micah Jonah
March 22, 2026
The CEO of Volkswagen AG, Oliver Blume, has said Germany’s auto industry should take lessons from China’s structured and disciplined approach to industrial planning as competition intensifies globally.
In an interview, Blume highlighted China’s ability to execute long-term strategies with clear priorities, describing its industrial system as highly organized and efficient. He noted that the country’s coordinated planning and strong execution culture have been key drivers of its rapid development.
Blume emphasized that German manufacturers should be open to learning from China, particularly as the automotive sector undergoes major transformation driven by electric vehicles and new technologies.
He also pointed to the intense competition in the Chinese market, where more than 150 automakers are vying for dominance, creating a fast-paced environment of innovation and technological advancement.
As part of its restructuring efforts to remain competitive, Volkswagen plans to cut around 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030, reflecting the broader challenges facing traditional automakers in adapting to a rapidly evolving global industry.
